Surveyors Seek Power Route Across the Irish Sea

A marine survey has begun mapping
a potential route to carry high voltage electricity
cables between Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

The East West Interconnector is being
developed by EirGrid, the independent electricity
transmission system operator in Ireland, and will
enable two-way transmission of power under the Irish
Sea.

The 500 megawatt EirGrid Interconnector
will comprise undersea cables across the Irish Sea
connecting the transmission system in the Republic
of Ireland to that in Britain.

Grid connection points have been secured
in both countries and the interconnector is expected
to be operational by 2012.

When completed, the interconnector
will provide benefits to electricity consumers on
both sides of the Irish Sea. It will have the potential
to create access to a new market for energy generated
in Wales.

The marine survey will help in the
selection of a preferred route for EirGrid's proposed
interconnector.

Deeside has been identified as the
proposed UK Grid connection point but EirGrid says
it will not be possible to confirman exact route
until the results of detailed feasibility and marine
surveys are completed later this year.

EirGrid's East West Interconnector
project director John Fitzgerald said full information
is being made available to the relevant bodies to
ensure all mariners and others using the Irish Sea
are aware that the survey is taking place.